Geological Journal of China Universities

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14 February 2026, Volume 32 Issue 01

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Mechanism Research on Lead Isotope Evolution in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific Deep Water since the Last 150 ka

WANG Weihong, HU Rong

2026, 32(01): 1-10. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025012

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Lead (Pb) isotopes serve as a critical tool for tracing theocean circulation and weathering evolution. Previous studies have primarily relied on low-resolution ferromanganese crusts. In recent years, investigations into the authigenic Pb isotopic compositions in sediments from the Atlantic and Indian Oceans have revealed variations in glacial activity and weathering inputs on orbital and millennial timescales, reflecting the sensitivity of regional weathering processes to climate change. These findings have provided important constraints for understanding the global marine Pb cycle and its interactions with the climate system. However, how deep water Pb isotopes respond to short-term climate changes in the Pacific remains poorly understood. This study focuses on deep-see sediments from ODP Site 1241 in the Eastern Equatorial Pacific (EEP) to explore the characteristics and sources of Pb isotopes over the past 150 ka. The results indicate that the Pb isotopic composition of deep water in study region is predominantly controlled by weathering inputs from the Andean volcanic arc and the Central American volcanic arc. Despite minimal overall variation in Pb isotope compositions over the past 150 ka and an absence of a clear glacial-interglacial pattern, a notable trend towards less radiogenic Pb isotope compositions during the MIS 4 and late Holocene may indicate a significant increase in the weathering of Central and South American arcs. Additional comparison with Pb isotopes of major water masses of the Pacific further demonstrates that the Pb isotopic composition of deep water in the EEP is primarily controlled by local sources rather than water mass mixing. These findings provide new insights into the global marine Pb cycle and highlight the importance of regional weathering processes in shaping deep-water Pb isotopic signatures.

Geochronology, Geochemical Characteristics and Significance of Xiachehe Granite Porphyry, Shanxi Province

YE Feng, DONG Guochen, REN Jianxun, DONG Jing, LI Songfeng, ZHANG Zhimin

2026, 32(01): 11-24. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025010

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The Xiachehe intrusion is located in the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO) that is a part of the North China Craton
(NCC). Compared with the Eastern Block (EB) of the NCC, relatively little attention has been paid to the research on Mesozoic regional tectonic evolution of the TNCO , which impedes the overall understanding of Mesozoic lithospheric destruction mechanism of the NCC. In this paper, we report new geochronological, Hf isotopes and geochemical data of the fresh granite porphyry from the Xiachehe intrusion in Shanxi Province to constrain petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Xiachehe intrusion. The results show the zircon U-Pb ages of 135.1±0.8 Ma for the granite porphyry, indicating formation in the Early Cretaceous. The major elements of granite porphyry are characterized by high Si, Al2O3 and alkali (Na2O+K2O) with low σ values (2.11 and 2,59) and A/CNK ratios (1.07 to 1.15), belonging to the typical high-K calc-alkaline series and weakly peraluminous granite composition. Trace element analysis reveals enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) (such as K, Ba and Eu) and light rare earth elements (LREE), depleted in high field strength elements (HFSEs) (such as Nb, Ce, Zr and Ti) and heavy rare-earth elements (HREE), with negative Eu anomalies. The Xiachehe granite porphyry has homogeneous zircon Hf isotopic compositions, their zircons show negative εHf(t) values ranging from -19.4 to -20.7, with two-stage Hf model ages (TMD2) ranging from 2417 Ma to 2501 Ma. The genetic type of granite porphyry is I-type granite. Xiachehe granite porphyry characteristics indicate that the rocks were formed from partial melting of Neoarchean-Paleoproterozoic lower crustal materials with mantle-derived inputs. Therefore, it is suggested that the Xiachehe granite porphyry formed in an extensional setting likely associated with the ancient Pacific Plate subduction beneath the Eurasian continent, and was the production of the transition of Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the NCC.

Dissolution Thermodynamics of the Calcite-Strontianite Solid Solutions in Initially CO₂-saturated Water

NONG Peijie, XU Chunli, ZHU Zongqiang, MA Chengyou, LIU Xinghang, DENG Huan, LIU Huili, ZHU Yinian

2026, 32(01): 25-37. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025014

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Calcite is considered one of the most important minerals relevant to environment, and plays an important role in regulating water quality and controlling the migration and transformation of heavy metals. A range of calcite-strontianite “heterotype” solid solutions [(Ca1-xSrx)CO₃] (Sr-substituted calcites, Ca-substituted strontianites and their mixtures) with the bulk solid Sr/(Ca+Sr) mol ratios (X_SrCO3) of 0.00-1.00 were synthesized and their dissolution in initially-CO₂-saturated water for one year was experimentally studied at 25 ℃ . The aqueous Sr/(Ca+Sr) mol ratios (X_Sr2+,aq) were considerably higher than the solid X_SrCO3 values for dissolution of the Sr-calcites, and considerably lower than the solid X_SrCO3 values for dissolution of the Ca-strontianites. The mean values of log IAP at the steady state (≈log Ksp) were calculated to be (-8.45±0.13)-(-8.42±0.11) and (-8.79±0.04) - (-8.77±0.02) for calcite [CaCO₃] and strontianite [SrCO₃], respectively. In terms of the Sr-calcites, the log IAP values at the final constant state increased with the increasing X_SrCO3 of the solids; while decreased with the increasing X_SrCO3 of the solids in terms of the Ca-strontianites. The highest X_SrCO3 value in the calcite-type solid solutions and the lowest X_SrCO3 value in the strontianite-type solid solutions were measured to be 0.042 and 0.609, respectively. The corresponding dimensionless Guggenheim parameters were estimated to be a0=1.62 and a1=-1.46 for the calcite-strontianite“heterotype”solid solutions. In the constructed Lippmann diagrams, for the Sr-bearing calcite-type solid solutions with a low X_SrCO3, the Ca-poorer aqueous solutions were at equilibrium with the Ca-richer calcite-type solids; for the Ca-bearing strontianite-type solid solutions with a higher X_SrCO3, the Sr-poorer aqueous solutions were at equilibrium with the Sr-richer strontianite-type solids. The replacement of small amount of Sr in calcite and Ca in strontianite would decrease the stability of the solids. The results provide experimental evidence for the stability of calcite-strontianite solid solutions in aqueous solution and improve the understanding of the geochemical cycle of strontium in the environment.

Temporal and Spatial Distribution of Nanoparticles in Lake Chaohu and Their Impact on Elemental Cycling

XU Zitao, ZHOU Yuefei, LIU Yan, DU Mengmeng, XIE Qiaoqin, LI Quanzhong, CHEN Tianhu

2026, 32(01): 38-48. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025020

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Nanoparticles (NP) in natural waters with particle sizes <0.22 μm significantly influence the chemical properties and
bioavailability of dissolved elements. However, the small size and low concentration of NPs make their quantification challenging. This study employed inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) to analyze the species, spatiotemporal distribution, and trace element characteristics of NPs in Chaohu Lake. Results show that ICP-MS direct measurements of elements (truly dissolved fraction) in 0.22 μm membrane-filtered water samples exhibited high precision, validating this method for NP analysis in natural waters. NP-associated elements (dissolved fraction minus truly dissolved fraction) were dominated by Fe and Al, with their average concentrations remaining stable between spring and summer. High NP-Fe concentrations were consistently observed in the southeastern area near the lake outlet across both seasons, while NP-Al hotspots shifted from the southern lake region in spring to the northern region in summer. Correlation analysis revealed that Cr, Mn, Zn, Ge, and Cd showed positive correlations with NP-Fe in both seasons, whereas Pb, rare earth elements (REEs), and Ni exhibited summer-specific correlations with NP-Fe. For NP-Al, only Ti, Sc, and middle REEs displayed summer correlations. HR-TEM characterization identified amorphous Fe (hydr)oxides, aluminosilicates, and Ca carbonates as the predominant NP phases, with the first category playing a critical role in regulating dissolved element cycling in Chaohu Lake. The study concluded that riverine inputs constitute the primary NP source, with increased summer discharge enhancing NP influx. The increase in lake water pH during summer facilitates the precipitation of NP-iron (hydr)oxides and the dispersion of NPaluminosilicates.

Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Characteristics of the Middle to Lower Ordovician Strata in the Gucheng Area, Tarim Basin and Their Geological and Paleoenvironmental Implications

GUO Chuntao, LI Ruyi, SHI Jiangtao

2026, 32(01): 49-60. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2024037

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The carbon and oxygen isotopes of marine carbonate rocks exhibit the inherent capacity to faithfully record the primary isotopic composition of seawater, serving as invaluable proxies for paleoenvironmental reconstructions. Based on this, this study systematically investigates the carbon and oxygen isotopic profiles containing 86 carbonate rock specimens retrieved from the Lower Ordovician strata of well Gucheng 8, situated in Gucheng lower uplift of the Tarim Basin. The results show δ¹³C values ranging from -2.32‰ to +0.53‰ , with an average of -1.10‰ , delineating four discernible stages. Simultaneously, the δ¹⁸O values span -8.80‰ to -7.15‰ , averaging at -8.04‰ , revealing three distinct“positive ten-negative shift”cycles. The computed paleoenvironmental characteristics, based on carbon and oxygen isotopes, underscore a salinity index (Z) consistently exceeding 120 during the Early to Middle Ordovician epoch in the study area. Concurrently, water temperatures exhibit fluctuationsbetween 16.7 ℃ and 26.9 ℃ , indicating an overall warm to hot marine environment with normal salinity levels. Isotopic variations further unveil nuanced sea-level dynamics. During the Penglaiba formation, the ancient sea level underwent a gradual rise followed by a subdued fall. In the Yingshan formation, sea levels exhibited continuous fluctuations with a gradual, marginal decline. Conversely, the Yijianfang formation documents a rapid rise in the ancient sea level, maintaining a sustained high position. These fluctuations closely parallel the global sea-level trends. Comparative scrutiny of δ¹³C curves across multiple Early to Middle Ordovician profiles (drilling wells) within the basin underscores analogous characteristics and variations. This concordance with global δ¹³C curves signifies that sedimentary patterns in the Tarim basin during the Early to Middle Ordovician were primarily dictated by sea-level changes, with limited influence by the peripheral orogeny and other tectonic activities.

Late Cenozoic Exhumation and Topographic Evolutionary History of the Gangdese Belt in Southern Tibet: A Qualification Based on Three-dimensional Thermal Kinematics Simulations

WANG Weiyi, CAI Dongxu, YANG Yifan, HOU Xudong, LI Guangwei

2026, 32(01): 61-75. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025021

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The exhumation history of the Gangdese orogenic belt and its geomorphologic evolution process are key issues to
understand the formation and evolution of the Tibetan Plateau. This region’s unique geological and geomorphological evolution makes it an ideal case study for analyzing the interaction of tectonics, surface processes, and climate in shaping orogenic belts. Despite significant progress in studying the exhumation history of the Gangdese belt, most studies have focused on the eastern part of the belt. The lateral variability in the exhumation of this over 1000-km-long belt remains unclear. In this study, we collected thermochronological ages from the Xigaze area published and applied a 3D thermokinematic model to reconstruct the late Cenozoic exhumation and topographic history of the central Gangdese belt. Our simulation results indicate that since ~30 Ma, the central Gangdese has undergone four exhumation stages. The exhumation rates generally followed a “slow-fast-slow” pattern, while topographic relief showed “low-high-low” changes. Two relatively rapid exhumation phases were identified at ~27-18 Ma (~0.3 km/Myr) and ~18-14 Ma (~0.75 km/Myr), corresponding to periods of sustained high topographic relief（R=1.5-1.7） in the central Gangdese. In the early Oligocene, lower exhumation rates (0.15 km/Myr) were observed, likely due to the tectonic transition of the Tibetan Plateau system to the E-W extension, topographic flattening, and reduced precipitation during this stage. From the mid-late Oligocene to early Miocene, the exhumation rate rose to ~0.3 km/Myr, potentially influenced by intense activity of the Gangdese thrust fault system and the expansion of the Asian monsoon system into the plateau interior. The maximum exhumation rate (0.75 km/Myr) occurred during the middle Miocene, and was closely related to the high topographic relief (R=1.7) in Gangdese and the warm-humid climate of the mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum. From ~14-10 Ma to the present, exhumation rates decreased again (~0.2 km/Myr), associated with enhanced precipitation shielding due to Himalayan terrane uplift, Asian inland drying, and progressive topographic flattening in the Gangdese region.

Physical Modeling Study of Subduction-driven Deformation in the Overriding Lithosphere

LI Rui, LI Yiquan, MAO Yuqiong, CHEN Yingying, JIA Dong

2026, 32(01): 76-93. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025018

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As the core region of plate tectonic theory, subduction zones exert profound influences on the tectonic movements
of the continental lithosphere and surface processes through their dynamic behaviors. This study systematically analyzes the methodology of sandbox physical simulation experiments for subduction and summarizes the dynamics of subduction processes and their driving mechanisms on the tectono-geomorphic evolution of the continental lithosphere. The results reveal a coupled interaction among the geometric-kinematic induces large-scale extension, slab rollover generates surface uplift, and slab stacking leads to periodic topographic evolution. The viscosity ratio between subducting slabs and asthenospheric mantle (ηSP/ηUM) is identified as the primary factor controlling subduction styles (rollback, rollover, and stacking). Subduction-driven slab motions trigger polar and toroidal mantle flows, whose drag forces influence surface deformation, while active mantle flows regulate strain distribution through their direction and velocity. Subduction is inherently a thermo-mechanical coupling process, with the rheological structure and coupling degree of the lithosphere directly reflecting thermoo-mechanical feedback, thereby shaping diverse geomorphic features in subduction zones. Additionally, this paper highlights the limitations of sandbox physical simulations and proposes future research directions integrating hypergravity centrifugation technology, multi-field coupled monitoring, and interdisciplinary approaches to quantitatively investigate the three-dimensional dynamic evolution of subduction zones and their surface geomorphic responses. These advancements will provide experimental support for refining plate tectonic theory.

Study on Dissolution Micro-pores in the Shale of Qingshankou Formation in Gulong Depression

WU Wei, ZHONG Jianhua

2026, 32(01): 94-108. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025009

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The geological resource of the Gu Long shale oil is estimated at 15.1 billion tons, making it a recent exploration hotspot in the Daqing Oilfield. Core observation, thin section identification, electron backscatter, secondary imaging and energy spectrum analysis show that a large number of dissolution micropores are developed in the shale oil reservoir. The diameters of the dissolution micropores are mostly between 0.50 micrometers and 500 micrometers with most being 1-2 micrometers, and a few ostracod mold pores can reach 0.5-1.0 mm; they are nearly round, flat round, polygonal, and irregular. The dissolution pores can occur in ostracods, calcite or dolomite, and in clay and feldspar minerals. The dissolution pores and mold pores in ostracods were formed by decarboxylation in the early stage of diagenesis; while most of the dissolution pores in calcite and dolomite are filled,

mostly by organic clay, asphalt and authigenic minerals, and were formed in the later stage of diagenesis. In addition, feldspar minerals are also dissolved to form a large number of dissolution pores. Energy spectrum analysis reveals that the expelled oil or asphalt in the Gu Long shale is enriched in highly volatile and corrosive halogen elements such as F, Br and Cl, indicating that dissolution pores could be a result of the superimposition of magmatic hydrothermal fluids rich in highly volatile and corrosive halogen elements. Most of these dissolution micropores are connected to other fractures, forming a good spatially connected network system and facilitating the development of Gu Long shale oil.

Experimental Study on Pumping-induced Land Subsidence Considering the Effect of Pile Groups

SU Zhicong, ZHANG Yun, LI Yong, MIAO Chenyang, DAI Wenjie

2026, 32(01): 109-118. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025013

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With increasing utilization of urban underground spaces, large underground structures have clear influence on the
development of regional land subsidence. To reveal the mechanisms for the effect of pile group foundations on pumping-induced land subsidence, physical model tests were conducted in this paper and the effects of pile spacings and pile arrangement patterns on pore water pressure and soil subsidence were analyzed. The experimental results indicate that pile spacing and layout have effects on the hindrance of pile groups to water flow and soil subsidence. Smaller pile spacings and checkerboard arrangements result in higher area replacement ratios and longer seepage paths, effectively obstructing seepage and soil subsidence. Owing to the blocking of pile group, groundwater in the zone between the pile group and a pumping well is hardly replenished when pumping, causing the pore water pressure to decline obviously and the gradient of subsidence to increase.

Effect of Glycerol on PHA Synthesis Efficiency and Carbon Source Competition Mechanisms in Activated Sludge Systems

TAN Lu, FANG Fang, WENG Jiayu, LIANG Xiya, LUO Jingyang, CAO Jiashun

2026, 32(01): 119-127. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2025015

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Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are a class of biodegradable polymers with physicochemical properties similar to
conventional plastics. However, their large-scale commercial application has been hindered by high production costs. This study utilized waste glycerol as a low-cost carbon source, combined with the activated sludge process, to synthesize PHA. Through aerobic cultivation with alternating feast/famine alternation strategies and batch experiments, this study systematically investigated the effects on the synthesis of PHA, as well as the production of related by-products such as extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and soluble microbial products (SMP), and explored the associated carbon source competition mechanisms. The experimental results demonstrated that: (1) Activated sludge can efficiently synthesize PHA from glycerol, with both PHA yield (YPHA/S) and maximum PHA accumulation (PHAm) showing a significant positive correlation with glycerol concentration. The highest YPHA/S (0.95 g PHA/g COD) and maximum PHAm (7.23%) were achieved at a glycerol concentration of 600 mg COD/L; (2) EPS, like PHA, is a polymer synthesized by microorganisms using external carbon sources, and there is a significant competitive relationship between EPS and PHA for carbon utilization; (3) SMP, as a by-product of PHA synthesis in activated sludge, exhibited a similar trend to EPS and was negatively correlated with PHA production. This study provides a theoretical foundation and technical support for the large-scale production of PHA using waste glycerol, offering a cost-effective approach while enabling the resource utilization of waste glycerol, with both economic and environmental benefits.